23 missing as boat capsizes in Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh

At least 17 people have been rescued in the boat tragedy in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh wherein the boat carrying at least 40 people capsized in river Godavari.

About 20 people swam to safety Tuesday evening after the ferry flipped on the Godavari River but others, including a group traveling to a wedding, remained unaccounted for. The tribals attended the weekly shandy and were returning to their villages. East Godavari district collector Karthikeya Misra has rushed to the spot. "It is about 100 metres away from the shore and at a depth of 50 feet. When the boat is nearly 10 minutes away to the banks, heavy rain and wind occurred, the boat lost balance and slid one side". It is believed to have capsized due to gusty winds.

According to Reddy, the driver of the boat has said there are 25-26 passengers in the boat at the time of the incident. Police also joined in the rescue operations. She is in shock and undergoing treatment at Rajahmundry, " an official said. The state disaster management teams and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were pressed into service.